The Power of Simplicity

Buddha had the realization that the human experience is a chain reaction of mental state . The speed determine our stress levels . This book explains how to control the chain reaction or at least the theory of it. This end, Mindfulness, Meditation and Focus are discussed at length, because these are the tools that Buddhists use to control the chain reaction and thus to control the mind and the brain itself. However, To explain these things fully I had to explain . How the mind actually works. I present a model of the mind (very simple) which shows how the brain interacts with the" perceiving energy " namely consciousness. The "mind" is the interaction between the physical brain and that mysterious energy, we call consciousness . Therefore the "low stress position" arises when we learn to simplify ourselves at the most fundamental level . Most psychology is about what the mind does. This book is about what the mind actually is, and how to guide it toward the low stress position. I have picked the eyes out of spiritual history to present those elements which can reduce our stress levels. The modern word for suffering is stress . All bad experiences stress the physical brain to this end I discuss, How to deal with enemies (negativities) at great length . I discuss compassion at length, because compassion not only expands our minds monumentally but the compassionate attitude reduces internal and external conflict, a constant cause of stress, This book is neither religious nor mystical, it is logical. However I do refer to the Dalai Lama (of course) Jesus (of course) Buddha (of course) and also passing references to Australia Aboriginal people where appropriate ( Elders Permitting) I also refer to Mr. E. Tolle ( See New Earth) because Mr. Tolle and I are on the same page (with minor differences) I hope these minor differences are not offensive, especially because Mr. Tolle 's spiritual writings are adored by my own dear sister. Therefore my task has (ten years in the making ) To pick the best needles out of the spiritual haystack and to glue them together in one simple, easy to read volume . Having studied Tibetan Buddhism ( obviously) and Tibetan history, Chinese history in the 20th century, and the interaction between the two, I have the odd suggestion to make on the topic of love, hatred, unconditional compassion, and unconditional love . The "warm and fuzzy" of love are a supreme and necessary "opiate" to tranquillize and de-stress our embattled brains and nervous systems . However as we develop compassion, love and kindness to lower our stress levels. We may fall prey to predators, I discuss this trap for the unwary under the title "Spiritual Vampire" a necessary but unfortunate necessity. There are many Buddhist "tricks of the trade " in this book many mantras and psychological strategies which I have interpreted . modified and practiced relentlessly over the past 50 years . At the very least I have made some effort to pass this stuff on to anyone who may be interested what's the point of learning tricks of the trade if you don't pass them on ? My motivation for this book is the same as it is for any Buddhist . namely to reduce suffering (stress) where ever it is possible to do so . In order to perceive all realities without any distortion, I have abandoned all fixed belief systems, because belief systems polarize reality . That is why I have described myself in the book as a spiritual anarchist ! I either know a thing or don't pretend otherwise, This book is my truth because I know after 50 years of enquiring and meditation that it is real, therefore true if people disagree, I am thrilled, because that means the reader is discovering her/his own truth . Excellent ! As Buddha said " Don't believe a word I say unless you find it to be true in your own experience" IT is not possible to covey the feeling and spirit of this book Yours Faithfully, G. O Sand.